Apple macbook pro 15 inch mid 2009 User Manual

							MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2009) Symptom Charts — Input/Output Devices 101 2010-12-15
2. Reset SMC and verify if Apple 
Internal Keyboard/Trackpad is 
now seen in the USB devices 
list of Apple System Profiler.
YesGo to step 3.
NoReplace logic board.M15
3. Disconnect and verify that 
keyboard flex cable is in good 
condition (no delamination or 
torn cable end, no missing or 
cracked tracks).
YesGo to step 4.
NoGo to the “Built-In Trackpad 
Does not Work” symptom 
table.
4.  Reseat cable and check that 
flex cable end is fully inserted 
and aligned with connector 
on logic board, and that 
connector lock is closed.  Verify 
that keyboard now functions 
properly.
YesIssue resolved.
NoReplace top case. Go to step 5.K11
5. Verify that all keys are 
functional using ASD.
YesIssue resolved.
NoReplace logic board.M15
Built-in Trackpad Does Not Track Properly
Unlikely cause: LCD, hard drive, optical drive
Quick Check
SymptomQuick Check
Built-in Trackpad Does Not Track 
Properly
• Cursor movement is random, 
uneven, or jumpy.
• Cursor hangs or stalls along 
path.
1. Check for environmental factors such as humidity, 
hand lotion or jewelry.  Check if user is touching 
the trackpad simultaneously with both hands.
2.  Clean the trackpad surface (with the computer 
off ) using a clean, dry, lint free cloth.
3. Make sure all software and firmware updates have 
been applied.
4.  If the issue occurs when system is running from 
the power adapter, use a grounded power cord 
with the power adapter.  
						

							MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2009) Symptom Charts — Input/Output Devices 102 2010-12-15
Deep Dive
CheckResultActionCode
1. Can you see the Apple 
Internal Keyboard/Trackpad 
continuously listed under USB 
in Apple System Profiler?
YesTrackpad communicating to 
system. Go to step 5.
NoGo to step 2
2.  Does the trackpad look 
damaged?
YesTest with known good 
trackpad. Go to step 6.
NoGo to step 3.
3. Reseat the trackpad flex cable 
on the logic board.  Does the 
trackpad work now?
YesLoose cable.  Issue resolved.
NoGo to step 4.
4.  Is the trackpad connector on 
the logic board damaged?
YesReplace logic board.M24
No Go to step 5.
5. In System Preferences: 
Universal Access, turn off 
special Keyboard and Mouse 
& Trackpad settings.  Does 
trackpad work now?
YesSettings issue resolved.
NoGo to step 6.
6.  Does a known-good trackpad 
work?
YesReplace defective trackpad.K02 
NoReplace logic board.M16  
						

							MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2009) Symptom Charts — Input/Output Devices 103 2010-12-15
Apple Remote Inoperable
Unlikely cause:  LCD, hard drive, optical drive
Quick Check
SymptomQuick Check
Apple Remote Inoperable
• Remote is not recognized.
1. The computer is on and awake.
2.  Check with known-good remote on user’s 
computer and the user’s remote on known-good 
computer
3. Remote is used within 30 feet of the computer 
and unobstructed line-of-sight to the IR window.
4.  Clean the IR window.
5. Open System Preferences: Security pane. Verify 
that “Disable remote control infrared receiver” is 
not checked.
6.  In Security pane,  if “Unpair” button is active, press 
it and pair the Apple Remote. See “Pairing your 
Apple Remote with your computer” (Knowledge 
Base HT1619).
Deep Dive
CheckResultActionCode
1. Open Photo Booth or iChat’s 
Video Preview window.  Point 
Apple Remote at the built-in 
iSight camera, press any button 
on the remote, and verify that 
(as seen through the camera) 
there is a faint blinking light on 
the remote.
YesApple Remote is working.  Go 
to step 2.
NoReplace the remote’s battery.  
Go to step 2.
2.  Verify that you can pair the 
Apple Remote with a known-
good system?
YesGo to step 3.
NoReplace the Apple Remote. 
Go to step 3.
X04
3. Go in Security settings of 
System Preferences.  Uncheck 
the  “Disable remote control 
infrarer receiver” if checked, 
and verify that Apple Remote 
now works..
YesIssue resolved.
NoCheck and reseat HD SATA/IR/
Sleep LED cable connection 
at logic board. Go to step 4.  
						

							MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2009) Symptom Charts — Input/Output Devices 104 2010-12-15
4. Does the Apple Remote now 
work?
YesIssue resolved.
NoReplace the HD SATA/IR/Sleep 
LED cable. Go to step 5.
5. Does the Apple Remote now 
work?
YesIssue resolved.K99
NoReplace logic board.M15
Built-in Speaker Has No Audio
Unlikely cause: LCD, hard drive, optical drive
Quick Check
SymptomQuick Check
Built-in Speaker Has No Audio
Can’t hear any audio from within 
the machine.
1. Make sure all software updates have been 
applied.
2.  Check in System Preferences: Sound: Output that 
sound output is set to “Internal Speakers”.
3. Use the F12 volume key to set the sound to 
maximum.
4.  Reset PRAM.
Deep Dive
CheckResultActionCode
1. Check System Preferences: 
Sound: Output and verify that 
no external speakers, “Digital 
Out,” or headphones are being 
reported connected when 
there is none present.
YesAudio-out port is not 
damaged.  Go to step 3.
NoGo to step 2
2.  With known-good headphone 
or speakers, plug in the audio 
output jack for several cycles. 
Verify that you get audio 
through external headphones/
speakers when connected.
YesGo to step 4
NoReseat the speaker 
connectors to logic board.  Go 
to step 3.  
						

							MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2009) Symptom Charts — Input/Output Devices 105 2010-12-15
3. Verify that you now get audio 
through internal speakers .
YesIssue resolved.
NoReplace logic board.M09
4.  Disconnect known-good 
headphones or speakers. 
Verify that you now get audio 
through  internal speakers.
YesIssue resolved.
NoReplace affected speaker(s).X08
Distorted Sound from Internal Speaker
Unlikely cause: LCD, hard drive, optical drive
Quick Check
SymptomQuick Check
Distorted Sound from Internal 
Speaker
• Distorted audio
1. Reset PRAM.
2.  Adjust sound output and level in System 
Preferences: Sound: Output, and use the Balance 
to locate a left, right, or woofer speaker distortion 
source.
3. Compare the same sound and same settings 
against another unit to make sure the sound is 
actually distorting.
Deep Dive
CheckResultActionCode
1. Comparing internal speakers 
with headphones, is the 
distortion on both headphones 
and speakers?
YesAudio source or gain issue. 
Reset PRAM, adjust sound 
level in System Preferences: 
Sound: Output, and retest 
with known-good audio 
source and external speakers. 
Go to step 5. 
NoInternal speaker issue. Go to 
step 2.  
						

							MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2009) Symptom Charts — Input/Output Devices 106 2010-12-15
2. Use the Sound Output system 
preference to test the left 
and right speakers. If lower 
bass notes are distorted, right 
speaker/subwoofer may be 
defective. Are all speakers free 
of distortion, sounding clear 
and loud?.
YesIssue resolved.
NoAdjust volume to test full 
range of volume settings. Go 
to step 3.
3. Is affected speaker cable 
properly inserted and free 
from damage?
YesGo to step 4.
NoReseat speaker cable or 
replace damaged speaker. Go 
to step 5.
X09
4.  Is affected speaker membrane 
free from dust or debris, and 
speaker membrane is not 
deformed/damaged?
YesGo to step 5.
NoClean any dust or debris. Go 
to step 5.  
If membrane is damaged, 
replace the bad speaker(s).  
X09
5. Verify that speaker enclosure 
is not damaged, correctly 
installed in system, and does 
not create unneeded vibration 
when sound is played.
YesSpeaker housing and 
installation is good. Go to 
step 6.
NoProperly install or replace 
affected speaker.  Go to step 
6.
6.  Verify that internal speakers 
no longer produce distorted 
sound.
YesIssue resolved.X09
NoReplace logic board.M09  
						

							MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2009) Symptom Charts — Input/Output Devices 107 2010-12-15
SD (Secure Digital) Memory Card Will Not Insert Into Slot
Unlikely cause: LCD, logic board, hard drive
Quick Check
SymptomQuick Check
SD Memory Card will not insert 
into SD Slot
SD Memory Card does not fully 
seat into the slot
Slot door does not open 
completely
1. The SD memory card must be a 32 mm by 24 mm 
by 2.1 mm. You can also use thinner cards, such as 
MultiMediaCards (MMC).
2.  Clear any obstruction in the slot.
Deep Dive
CheckResultActionCode
1. Check that a known-good SD 
card fits in slot.
YesAsk customer to replace 
defective or out-of-spec SD 
card.
NoLoosen all logic board screws 
and insert known-good SD 
card. again Go to Step 2.
2.  Does memory card now fit in 
SD slot?
YesTighten back the the logic 
board screws and go to Step 
3.
NoReplace logic board and 
retest.
M17
3. Does SD card now eject and 
insert without issue?
YesIssue resolved by logic board 
alignment. 
NoReplace logic board. .M17  
						

							MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2009) Symptom Charts — Input/Output Devices 108 2010-12-15
SD (Secure Digital) Memory Card Not Recognized By System
Unlikely cause: LCD, logic, optical drive, hard drive
Quick Check
SymptomQuick Check
SD Memory Card is not 
recognized by the system.
Card does not show up on the 
desktop or in System Profiler
1. Check correct drivers are installed for the 
customer’s SD card type. Standard SD memory 
cards are supported by OS Software, but other 
may require specific driver software to be used.
2.  Verify with known good SD Memory card that 
issue remains.
Deep Dive
CheckResultActionCSC
1. Verify that SD card inserts 
correctly.
YesGo to step 2.
NoGo to Symptom table “SD 
Memory card Will Not Insert 
Into Slot.”
2.  Verify that the SD card shows 
up on the desktop or in System 
Profiler.
YesGo to step 3
NoCheck that a known-good SD 
Memory card can read and 
write correctly on system. 
If yes, redirect customer to 
SD card vendor for faulty/
unsupported card. If no, 
replace logic board for 
damaged SD card slot. 
M17  
						

							MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2009) Symptom Charts — Input/Output Devices 109 2010-12-15
3. Unlock the customer SD Card 
and verify that it can be read 
and written on system.
YesSystem is functional.
NoCheck that a known-good SD 
Memory card can read and 
write correctly on system. 
If yes, redirect customer to 
SD card vendor for faulty/
unsupported card. If no, 
replace logic board for 
damaged SD card slot. 
M17
FireWire Port Not Recognizing Known Devices
Unlikely cause: LCD, logic, optical drive, hard drive
Quick Check
SymptomQuick Check
FireWire Port is not recognizing 
known devices
Attached FireWire device like 
digital camera or mass storage  
drive not recognized by the system
1. Check for latest software update.
2.  Use Apple System Profiler to verify the computer 
recognizes the FireWire bus.
3. Test port by connecting to another computer 
using FireWire Target Disk Mode.
4.  Verify the FireWire cable is good.
5. Verify a self powered FireWire device is getting 
power
Deep Dive
CheckResultActionCode
After resetting SMC, was the 
FireWire Port recognized?
YesIssue resolved.
NoFireWire port is bad. Replace 
main logic board.
M12  
						

							MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2009) Symptom Charts — Input/Output Devices 110 2010-12-15
Uncategorized Symptom
Quick Check
SymptomQuick Check
Uncategorized Symptom
Unable to locate appropriate 
symptom code
Verify whether existing symptom code applies 
to  the issue reported by the customer. If not, 
document reported symptom and send feedback to 
smfeedback@apple stating that a suitable symptom 
code could not be found.